Fort Lauderdale University LB Nick Internicola commits to Rutgers

Fort Lauderdale University School defensive end Nick Internicola committed to Rutgers on Tuesday evening.

He told the Sentinel during an interview Tuesday afternoon that he was close to committing to a school, but had no idea at the time that ‘close’ meant within an hour.

“I didn’t plan on doing it today, but I talked to my family pretty much an hour after I got off the phone [with the Sentinel] and decided to make my decision,” Internicola said. “It feels really good. I got a lot off my chest and I know I’m with the right family.”

Internicola (6-4, 230) – ranked No. 26 on the Sentinel’s 2013 Broward/Palm Beach Super60 list — originally planned on committing toward the end of July, but said there was no need to wait after visiting Rutgers for the school’s individual camp this past weekend with University School teammate LB Skai Moore.

“I went up there and I wanted to be part of something that they’re building,” Internicola said. “I want to be part of the national championship team that they’re building. They’re one big family up there and that’s something that I love about them. Everybody loves each other up there. The coaches take good care of you and the players love every other player. It’s great up there.”

Boston College was Internicola’s other finalist.

The Boston native, who moved to Florida when he was eight years old, said returning to the Northeast was not a factor for him.

“It’s kind of a coincidence,” Internicola said. “I don’t care where I play, it’s about where I best fit in.”

Internicola is Rutgers’ second Sunshine State commit in the past two weeks. Lake Mary tight end Taylor Marini pledged to the Scarlet Knights in late June and Internicola is hoping Moore will join them.

“He just sent his congratulations and is happy for me,” Internicola said. “I can’t talk for him and what he’s doing, he does his own thing. But if he ends up coming with me, it’d be cool.”